There are a lot of times when I am seeking answers from God that the answers don't come easily. Sometimes I do get an answer right away but it seems to be more often something that takes time. One of the most patience-trying (but also one of the most faith-building) experiences is when I ask for direction and my answer is "not that way".
Well that's great. That eliminates one way. But what about the other ways? There are a lot of them. I've crossed off one....but what about the others?
God not only gives us direction, he also has given us agency, the ability to choose. So He also gives us practice in making our own choices. But He won't let us go wrong (or at least not for long) without redirecting us. As Paul and others went on missions, they started preaching the Gospel message in foreign lands. There were times where they'd be directed by the Spirit to avoid where they were going. Then when they made their next decision, they were told "No" on that one two. But they didn't give up. Instead, they kept persevering until they were directed to the place where they were supposed to teach. (Acts 16)
Why would God do that? Why wouldn't He just say "Go here" or "You're needed in this city"? I really love what Jeffery R. Holland said in one of his talks. To paraphrase, he told the story of being out in an unfamiliar place with his son. When they came to a fork in the road, they didn't know which way to go. They said a prayer and received an answer to go one way. But when they continued that road, they found it was a dead-end. They retraced their steps and continued down the other road to find that that one was the correct one and took them where they wanted to go. Elder Holland's son asked why God would have led them down the wrong road.
Elder Holland's inspired answer was that sometimes, God lets us go down the wrong road for a while so that when we finally do make it to the right road, we have absolute confidence that we are where we are supposed to be. So maybe, when revelation isn't coming easily or is only coming in spurts, it's not a sign that you're failing. Maybe it's a chance for you to exercise your ability to choose and trust that God will direct you where you're supposed to go, even it sometimes seems like you're going the wrong direction or even in circles.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Dealing with "Dope" and Other Slang-isms
I've been told that I speak like an English major, meaning that I frequently use big words. Guess that means I chose my major wisely. I've also told that I speak very properly. Uh, I guess. I talk like I think so I really don't notice a big difference in the way I speak compared to how everyone else does. I mean, I don't use slang as much but that's not so much because I want to sound proper as much as because I object to some of the slang words specifically.
Let's take "dope" as an example. The first time I was introduced to this very charming word, it was slang for some sort of (illegal) drug or another. I really didn't care to learn the specifics. The next time I heard it, "dope" was being used as a synonym for "cool". Um, what?
Pardon my naivety, but I was under the impression that the abuse of controlled substances was very much not-cool. Maybe I'm just terribly old-fashioned (I've been told that too) but equating something like a drug (did I mention it's illegal?) with the idea of something good, cool, great, awesome, etc. is rather...dopey. (Pun intended-and not with the connotation of cool either. Or the endearingness of Disney's seventh dwarf)
Maybe I'm just pretentious and whatnot but you won't catch me using "dope" as an adjective to mean anything positive. Call me crazy, but I'd think that it'd mean just the opposite....
Use it how you want. Although people assume that since I'm an English major, I'm automatically uptight about other people's use of language, I really don't care all that much. Only sometimes, I wonder if people actually think about the words that they use and what they mean. I mean, words actually mean something and have implied meanings as well... Like I said, use it however you want. But do me a favor and think through what you're actually communicating and decide if that's still something you want to say. If it is, good for you. You use that word! But if not, maybe you'll find that something else fills that space even better.
This probably will not be the only poor, misused word that I end up writing about. You have been warned, dear reader(s?).
Let's take "dope" as an example. The first time I was introduced to this very charming word, it was slang for some sort of (illegal) drug or another. I really didn't care to learn the specifics. The next time I heard it, "dope" was being used as a synonym for "cool". Um, what?
Pardon my naivety, but I was under the impression that the abuse of controlled substances was very much not-cool. Maybe I'm just terribly old-fashioned (I've been told that too) but equating something like a drug (did I mention it's illegal?) with the idea of something good, cool, great, awesome, etc. is rather...dopey. (Pun intended-and not with the connotation of cool either. Or the endearingness of Disney's seventh dwarf)
Maybe I'm just pretentious and whatnot but you won't catch me using "dope" as an adjective to mean anything positive. Call me crazy, but I'd think that it'd mean just the opposite....
Use it how you want. Although people assume that since I'm an English major, I'm automatically uptight about other people's use of language, I really don't care all that much. Only sometimes, I wonder if people actually think about the words that they use and what they mean. I mean, words actually mean something and have implied meanings as well... Like I said, use it however you want. But do me a favor and think through what you're actually communicating and decide if that's still something you want to say. If it is, good for you. You use that word! But if not, maybe you'll find that something else fills that space even better.
This probably will not be the only poor, misused word that I end up writing about. You have been warned, dear reader(s?).
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Fluff and Cathedrals
Words are a great disguise. We've all fluffed our way through a writing assignment, trying to get the words we put on paper to say something eloquent when we haven't actually figured out what we're writing about.
As much as I dislike having to use it, I love fluff. There's something kinda fun about fitting your words together in the pattern of a stained-glass window so that your reader stands entranced by the multi-colored lights and doesn't realize that they're only in a small building with three walls instead of a magnificent cathedral.
Sort of like this post.
As much as I dislike having to use it, I love fluff. There's something kinda fun about fitting your words together in the pattern of a stained-glass window so that your reader stands entranced by the multi-colored lights and doesn't realize that they're only in a small building with three walls instead of a magnificent cathedral.
Sort of like this post.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Forum 3B-Road Maps and Prayers
"Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world" Acts 15: 18
There are so many times where I feel lost. I just don't know what's going on, what's going to happen, or what to do. It's a very frightening feeling, in my opinion, even more frightening than the feeling of actually being physically lost. At least then you can make plans. But when you're lost in your own life, you can't really make plans because you have nothing to base your plans on.
As a child, you think that adults have all the answers. They all seem so confident. Even when they told you they didn't know the answer to something, you were so sure that they did know but that they just weren't thinking hard enough about it. It's been scary to realize that really, adults don't have all the answers. In fact, sometimes they just make them up! Makes me feel kinda cheated. I mean, I'm getting close(r) to being an adult and I thought once I was one, I'd suddenly know what I was doing. It's pretty disappointing to find out that it doesn't work that way.
But that very disappointment is what makes believing and knowing that God exists so comforting. Here is someone, finally, who knows what's going on. In fact, He's even directing it! It could be tempting to blame Him for the hard things that happen just as much as we are grateful for our blessings but really, how silly would that be? I don't just believe in God, I believe that He is a benevolent, loving, kind Father. Just like our dads here make us do things we don't like that are good for us, God gives us challenges that help us in ways we might not always be able to see. But He can.
And that's one of the things that's so wonderful about having a personal relationship with God. When I realize that I'm lost again, when I can't see any way out, I can throw my hands up and say "Lord, I don't know how anything could possibly work in all of this. I don't see any way this could be good. I have no idea what I'm doing. But I know you do. So I'll keep going but I'm going to have to keep asking you for directions. I know you know where I am and where I should go, so I'll trust you and I'll keep going wherever it is you're sending me". I can turn my troubles over to the Lord and know that He'll guide me and help me sort them out.
I seem to do this an awful lot, this whole getting lost thing. But that's okay. It's teaching me to trust. And I know I couldn't be in better hands.
There are so many times where I feel lost. I just don't know what's going on, what's going to happen, or what to do. It's a very frightening feeling, in my opinion, even more frightening than the feeling of actually being physically lost. At least then you can make plans. But when you're lost in your own life, you can't really make plans because you have nothing to base your plans on.
As a child, you think that adults have all the answers. They all seem so confident. Even when they told you they didn't know the answer to something, you were so sure that they did know but that they just weren't thinking hard enough about it. It's been scary to realize that really, adults don't have all the answers. In fact, sometimes they just make them up! Makes me feel kinda cheated. I mean, I'm getting close(r) to being an adult and I thought once I was one, I'd suddenly know what I was doing. It's pretty disappointing to find out that it doesn't work that way.
But that very disappointment is what makes believing and knowing that God exists so comforting. Here is someone, finally, who knows what's going on. In fact, He's even directing it! It could be tempting to blame Him for the hard things that happen just as much as we are grateful for our blessings but really, how silly would that be? I don't just believe in God, I believe that He is a benevolent, loving, kind Father. Just like our dads here make us do things we don't like that are good for us, God gives us challenges that help us in ways we might not always be able to see. But He can.
And that's one of the things that's so wonderful about having a personal relationship with God. When I realize that I'm lost again, when I can't see any way out, I can throw my hands up and say "Lord, I don't know how anything could possibly work in all of this. I don't see any way this could be good. I have no idea what I'm doing. But I know you do. So I'll keep going but I'm going to have to keep asking you for directions. I know you know where I am and where I should go, so I'll trust you and I'll keep going wherever it is you're sending me". I can turn my troubles over to the Lord and know that He'll guide me and help me sort them out.
I seem to do this an awful lot, this whole getting lost thing. But that's okay. It's teaching me to trust. And I know I couldn't be in better hands.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Forum 2B-Walking the Plank
Sometimes, we are inspired to do something that doesn't make any sense to us. Maybe it scares us. Maybe it goes against our logic. Maybe it's something that you wouldn't normally do. Maybe it's something that goes against your traditions. But if it's inspired by God, we're supposed to do it, right?
Why would He ask us to so something that doesn't make sense to us? Why wouldn't He explain it first? Why, just why?
Sometimes, our traditions or our way of thinking about things isn't right and so our perspective needs to shift. Sometimes, it's to teach us a lesson. Sometimes, it's to push us out of our comfort zone. Sometimes, it's so that we have an opportunity to grow. Sometimes, it's so that we remember to exercise our faith and trust in the Lord.
Whatever the reason is, it's bound to be a good one. God never gives us a task just so He can watch us squirm in discomfort. Whatever the reason is, it's going to benefit us to listen.
Sometimes, you have to "get them down and go with them, doubting nothing" (Acts 10:20) . Sometimes you have take a breath, let go of your fears, and walk into the shadows. Sometimes, it feels like you're walking to the the end of the plank. Sometimes the only thing you have left is desperate trust. Sometimes you even have to shut your eyes and let your faith lead you.
But those are the times you can learn the most. Those are the times, when the limits of your trust in God are tested that you establish a stronger relationship with your Father. Those are the times where you become better than you were, someone stronger and more courageous. Those are the times when God is teaching you if you're willing to listen.
Forum 1B-Leaping for Joy
"And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God" -Acts 3:8
Acts records the story of a man who had been lame since birth. Every day, he would beg for alms outside of the temple walls.
Let's stop and consider his situation for a moment. We'll start with the obvious: he's lame. That must have been difficult. Growing up, he wouldn't have been able to play like other children and as an adult, he was not able to provide for himself. Instead, he must rely on the generosity of others just to be able to eat. That must sting his pride. In addition, according to Jewish tradition, physical infirmities were the result of sin, either of the person or their parents. So many, if not the majority, of the people passing by would have judged him harshly, assuming that sin was the root of his problems. The man was sitting outside of the temple. We don't know for sure, but it is possible that he would not have been allowed inside. As such, he would have been even more of an outcast, unable to perform the basic duties required of every adherent Jewish man.
And yet, after he was miraculously healed by Peter and John, his reaction was not a sense of entitlement or "it's about time" or any thing even close. His reaction was to leap about (I imagine in great joy) praising God. While I imagine that the man took the time to thank the apostles, the man recognized the true source of his healing and thanked God immediately. For the first time in his entire life, this man was able to walk, and run, and jump and I can only imagine the gratitude that he felt to be healed.
We all know that we should be grateful. Studies have shown that it benefits you, we all get taught to show thanks as part of being polite, and we know how good it feels when someone show gratitude towards us. What I learned from this story is not simply to be grateful, but to be joyous and not to dwell on the trials that came before the blessings. God doesn't just want us to be happy, he wants us to have joy. Sometimes that means that we have to endure hard times in order to reach our blessings but they come nevertheless. So when the challenges are lifted, be happy, but also let yourself be filled with joy. Sure, trials will come again, but let's not forget to be joyous in the meantime.
Acts records the story of a man who had been lame since birth. Every day, he would beg for alms outside of the temple walls.
Let's stop and consider his situation for a moment. We'll start with the obvious: he's lame. That must have been difficult. Growing up, he wouldn't have been able to play like other children and as an adult, he was not able to provide for himself. Instead, he must rely on the generosity of others just to be able to eat. That must sting his pride. In addition, according to Jewish tradition, physical infirmities were the result of sin, either of the person or their parents. So many, if not the majority, of the people passing by would have judged him harshly, assuming that sin was the root of his problems. The man was sitting outside of the temple. We don't know for sure, but it is possible that he would not have been allowed inside. As such, he would have been even more of an outcast, unable to perform the basic duties required of every adherent Jewish man.
And yet, after he was miraculously healed by Peter and John, his reaction was not a sense of entitlement or "it's about time" or any thing even close. His reaction was to leap about (I imagine in great joy) praising God. While I imagine that the man took the time to thank the apostles, the man recognized the true source of his healing and thanked God immediately. For the first time in his entire life, this man was able to walk, and run, and jump and I can only imagine the gratitude that he felt to be healed.
We all know that we should be grateful. Studies have shown that it benefits you, we all get taught to show thanks as part of being polite, and we know how good it feels when someone show gratitude towards us. What I learned from this story is not simply to be grateful, but to be joyous and not to dwell on the trials that came before the blessings. God doesn't just want us to be happy, he wants us to have joy. Sometimes that means that we have to endure hard times in order to reach our blessings but they come nevertheless. So when the challenges are lifted, be happy, but also let yourself be filled with joy. Sure, trials will come again, but let's not forget to be joyous in the meantime.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
I See The Stars
I was struck by SPI (Sudden Poem Inspiration) and this was the result.
I See The Stars
I am a star
burning, flaming, eternal power.
I am an angel
glorious, sublime, and luminous.
I am a sun
and a creature of light.
I am power
and brilliance.
I am life
and intelligence.
I sleep
bound to this mortal frame
Waiting for the day
I am called home
to wait for the day when
I am slipped back together
melding, my body and I,
releasing the star inside
and exalting the angel,
brightening the sun,
expanding the power,
and bringing new life.
I am a star and an angel and a sun.
I am power and life.
I hold all this inside,
sleeping.
I see the stars in others
and know them for what they are.
I See The Stars
I am a star
burning, flaming, eternal power.
I am an angel
glorious, sublime, and luminous.
I am a sun
and a creature of light.
I am power
and brilliance.
I am life
and intelligence.
I sleep
bound to this mortal frame
Waiting for the day
I am called home
to wait for the day when
I am slipped back together
melding, my body and I,
releasing the star inside
and exalting the angel,
brightening the sun,
expanding the power,
and bringing new life.
I am a star and an angel and a sun.
I am power and life.
I hold all this inside,
sleeping.
I see the stars in others
and know them for what they are.
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